Queensland Police take delivery of Kia EV6. Source: QLD Police
Queensland police have taken delivery of five Kia EV6 electric cars to serve as patrol cars along its highways, and seem pleased with the instant torque, fast acceleration, and low running costs.
The EV6 GT is one of the best performing electric cars in the market place, and can get from zero to 100 km/h in less than four seconds, and deliver range of around 500 kms.
These cars have been painted bright yellow, nicknamed the “bumble-bees”, and have been making an impression on the constabulary and the public.
“It’s a good showpiece. A lot of people notice us, and they see us and that’s what we want,” acting sergeant Liam Salmon told 7 News.
“The acceleration is much quicker than a petrol vehicle. And we’re finding this there’s no limitations in terms of speed.”
The first EV6 GT was delivered to Queensland Police last year, and it was envisaged that they would expand the fleet this year. Now it has occurred.
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It would be really great if these announcements about handfuls of EVs were converted into statements of intent detailing the numbers of ICE cars/truck/buses/vans/boats etc etc owned by governments/corporations and Uncle Tom Cobbley with a concrete plan of year by year purchases of EVs coupled with installation of suitable charging infrastructure culminating in a targeted completion date for replacement of all ICE vehicles. 2030 or earlier by preference.
How a car performs when it gets to the first curve or corner is more important than its straight line performance, especially for the police.
EV's should have lower centre of gravity, better braking (EM and disc). Then its down to driving skills.
Yep.
I find the weight dulls the handling. There's a reason the police prefer combustion-engined BMWs for pursuit.
and don't forget instant throttle response - easier to steer the car on the throttle.
A feature commonly asked for in a small city hatchback, of course.
Sorry Malcolm and nevermind, for some reason I thought this was about the MG4.
Theses EV6s handle very well indeed. Far better than the Commodores and Falcons the cops have used in the past.
But not better than the BMWs they use at present.
@Tony, well apparently they are better than the BMWs as they have evaluated and then purchased five of them! They didn't purchase another five BMWs did they.
Actually I think for Police work, the straight line speed from 0-100km/h is way more important. They need to get from 0 at the side of the road (without the need to idle and waste fuel) up to speed quickly so they can join traffic safely and get behind the speeding vehicle quickly before they have a chance to take the next turn and disappear into the small streets.
As for handling, they just need to handle well enough which they definitely do, they're not racing for a chequered flag after all.
No, they need to stick to the road on bends too, not just for the sake of the pursuit, but for OH&S for their occupants too. A BMW specified to M standards will take care of acceleration well enough.
No, Tony.
Police make vehicle choices for many reasons, performance, maintenance, accessibility are a few.
A BMW M is SLOW compared to an EV.
Instant acceleration at ANY speed. That means an EV will catch an ICE car in traffic much more easily than a BMW M.
Any performance ICE is still hamstrung by gearbox and revs. They are always slower than a non-geared torqued EV.
I know, I had a CLA45 AMG. I sold it because it is obsolete. A Tesla M3 LR runs rings around it let alone the Performance version.
The KIA can be easily modified with suspension enhancements to suit the police just like any other ICE they have had in the past.
As for maintenance and availability, US police have found EVs far outstrip ICE.
Most highway patrol vehicles are on highways. Having flashing lights in your mirror quickly is a deterrent from trying to outrun them. Pulling out in traffic for a pursuit is easier in a faster accelerating car. To think that you believe a turbo diesel is better for such work is troubling. What kind of range do you think the V8 SRT Chryslers are getting, 300Km? and that is with 98 octane fuel with a 72L tank equal $150 to fill it.
Do you actually drive an EV Tony?
Meanwhile, in NSW, we have one Kona electric police liaison vehicle.
What do they say in fantasy shows about rooting out corruption?
Follow the money.
There is the "EV COP" Ioniq 6?
500 kms would be nice. expect up to 350 kms in real life condtions.
It's time to put performance limits on all vehicles and that should be tied to their weight, with maximum acceleration and top speed limits. Big SUVs and UTEs especially.
Perfect recipe for civil war.
Anyway, wouldn't apply in lawless Northern Territory, the home of Mad Macks.
The cars delivered are "GT line" models not the more powerful "GT" versions. 0-100 in 5.2 and. WLTP range of less than 500km.